Just Homemade

June 7, 2017 By justhomemade 6 Comments

Herale Hannu Paanaka | Citron Limeade in Karnataka style

Nimbu paani or Paanaka, the traditional Indian lemonade has been the go to beverage for Indians to beat the scorching summer heat from times immemorial. Raspberry Lemonade and Meyer Lemon Paanaka recipes have been a huge hit as summer drinks in our house and among friends.

While I loved making lemonades when life gave me Meyer Lemons, I had always missed Citrons (aka Herale Hannu in Kannada, Narthangai in Tamil and Dabbakaya in Telugu) when in Houston. The closest find was Ugli fruit (named apparently after its appearance) which as I learnt is a hybrid of pomelo, orange and tangerine.

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May 22, 2017 By justhomemade 8 Comments

Maavina Midi Uppinakayi | Baby Mango Pickle

As soon as the Mango season began in early April, baby green mangoes were making their appearance in mounds in markets everywhere here in Bangalore.

The very sight of baby unripe mangoes just like “baby anything”, is simply irresistible. It must be the size. Miniatures are always so irresistible. Especially tender, baby unripe mangoes which we locals call as Midi Maavinakayi or simply Maavina Midi. Because, they mean one thing. Awesome oil free pickles!

People buy as much as they can to preserve, to consume a little now and more throughout the year until the next season arrives.

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May 15, 2017 By justhomemade Leave a Comment

Heart to Heart Inteview | Bea Lubas

Heart to Heart series of interviews is back after a long break.

And, I am so thrilled to present to you this interview with the uber talented photographer and food stylist from the UK, Bea Lubas of Bea’s Cookbook.

If you are on Instagram, chances are that you would have gawked at the gorgeous pictures @bealubas. If you haven’t yet, one look at her gallery will tell you why she has 87+K followers on Instagram!

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March 27, 2017 By justhomemade Leave a Comment

Idli Dosa Podi

Condiments are often times under appreciated or under estimated in comparison to main stream dishes. A pickle, a Podi (spice mix), a Thokku, a relish (sweet or savory) are what I call the simple joys of life. They seem like inconsequential bits and bobs, but when you think of it, they can elevate a dull meal, resurrect…

March 8, 2017 By justhomemade Leave a Comment

Grated Amla (Nellikayi) Murabba

Murabba means sweetened fruit preserve and Amla Murabba is a favorite of many Indians including yours truly. All through the years we lived in the US, quite often I lamented over the unavailability of fresh gooseberries. Frozen ones never really counted for me. So, when we moved to India almost 9 months back (the reason I have…

December 16, 2015 By justhomemade Leave a Comment

Eggless Linzer Cookies

Its amazing how new traditions are formed. A couple of years back exactly around these holidays, a 5 something year old girl wanted to bake cookies with her mom. So, they went to the store, bought some cookie cutters, came home and baked the cookies that they both wanted to bake. Then the two giggled with joy…

December 4, 2015 By justhomemade 17 Comments

Banana Coconut Saffron Muffins

I started baking for the very first time around the same time I began to blog. As I didn’t see myself using eggs in baking, bananas were the default substitute in my egg-less baking adventures and experiments. Since then, I must have baked banana based cakes and loaves god-knows-how-many times. I feel forever thankful to the humble banana for ushering me into the wonderland…

November 30, 2015 By justhomemade Leave a Comment

Coppre – Terracopper Jug | Review

My liking for all things traditional is an open secret here on the blog. Stone ware, iron, copper ware and alloy metal ware like brass and bronze – I am a collector of all things. Especially, copper. I have always been fascinated by copper, its inherent color and sheen. I find it quite irresistible. Fancying…